Emerald Isle Ready To Battle Mosquitoes

A little more than a week into spring and Emerald Isle is preparing to begin its battle against mosquitoes.

Town officials say the mild winter is causing them to take preventative measures against mosquitoes early. The public works department will begin to put down larvicide next week, about two months earlier then normal.

Homeowners on the sound side of the island say they're already being bothered by mosquitoes.

Artie Dunn, public works director, says crews will be spreading larvicide in ditches and drains along the town's right-of-ways and wetlands that are accessible starting next week. Dunn says most years they start this work until the end of May, beginning of June.

Dunn is asking residents to dump out anything in their yard that holds water, like buckets, planters or trays. Mosquitoes can hatch out of something as small as a bottle cap if there's water in it.

Emerald Isle residents can pick up free larvicide for their property from the public works facility, they just ask that you call ahead.

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